BPN512: Electrophysiological Cell Sorting

Project ID

BPN512

Website

Start Date

Tue 2009-Aug-04 23:42:46

Last Updated

Wed 2013-Jan-30 12:51:10

Abstract

We are developing a high-throughput microsystem which sorts cells based on their response to electrical stimulation. Electrophysiological measurements are commonly used to identify subpopulations of electrically-excitable cells such as myocytes and neurons and to determine the degree to which stem cells have differentiated into these cell types. However, there currently exist no technologies capable of rapidly sorting cells based on electrophysiological parameters. There is a clinical need for label-free sorting of stem cell-derived cells for tissue replacement therapies because labeling molecules and antibodies may be toxic to the patient or interfere with the integration of the graft tissue. Furthermore, for certain cell types, such as cardiomyocytes, there are currently no reliable molecular markers available. Our system will provide rapid, label- free sorting of electrically-excitable cells with accuracy equivalent to more traditional label- based sorting methods.